Microsoft

Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen on April 4, 1975, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Initially, it was a small software company that created a version of the BASIC programming language for the Altair 8800, one of the first personal computers. Over the years, Microsoft grew to become one of the largest and most influential technology companies in the world, known for its software products like Windows and Microsoft Office.

In 1980, Microsoft reached a significant agreement with IBM to provide an operating system for its first personal computer, the IBM PC. Microsoft bought an existing operating system, QDOS, for $50,000, which they modified and branded as MS-DOS. The IBM PC was a huge success and Microsoft's operating system became the standard for PC compatibility, giving the company a market dominance that it held for subsequent decades.

On November 20, 1985, Microsoft released Windows 1.0, the company's first graphical operating system environment. Windows 1.0 was notable for its graphical interface, which allowed users to point and click with a mouse rather than type commands at a text prompt. It introduced features like windows, scroll bars, and icons that became standard in future versions. Although not initially successful, it paved the way for future developments in operating systems.

Windows 95 was launched by Microsoft on August 24, 1995, and it marked a significant evolution in the company's Windows operating system line. Featuring a new user-friendly interface, Windows 95 introduced the Start button, taskbar, and desktop, elements that would become integral to the Windows brand. The operating system also included support for 32-bit applications, greater multitasking capabilities, and plug-and-play hardware interactions.

Steve Ballmer was named the chief executive officer of Microsoft Corporation on January 13, 2000, succeeding Bill Gates in this role. Ballmer had been with Microsoft since 1980 and had played a key role in its success. As CEO, he oversaw the company's continued growth and its expansion into new markets, such as cloud computing and hardware production. Despite various criticisms, during his tenure, Microsoft remained a dominant force in the technology industry.

Microsoft released Windows 8 on October 26, 2012, which brought significant changes to the Windows operating system. Designed with a focus on touch capability to compete with tablets, Windows 8 introduced the 'Metro' interface with live tiles and a new Start screen. While innovative, it received mixed reactions due to its departure from the traditional desktop interface and learning curve for users. Nevertheless, it showcased Microsoft's intent to bridge PC and mobile experiences.

In a significant acquisition announcement on May 10, 2011, Microsoft stated it would purchase Skype Technologies for $8.5 billion. The deal was completed by October 2011, with Skype becoming a division within Microsoft. This acquisition was a strategic move to strengthen Microsoft's communication capabilities. Skype provided a popular platform for video and voice calls, complementing Microsoft’s existing communication technologies like Lync and enhancing its consumer and enterprise offerings.

On April 25, 2014, Microsoft completed its acquisition of Nokia's Devices and Services business for approximately $7.2 billion. The acquisition included Nokia's mobile phone assets, with an aim to enhance Microsoft's Windows Phone ecosystem. The move was seen as an attempt by Microsoft to gain a foothold in the smartphone market and compete with Android and iOS. Although it initially strengthened Microsoft's mobile presence, the acquisition struggled to achieve its intended impact.

Microsoft Corporation announced on June 13, 2016, its acquisition of LinkedIn for $26.2 billion, marking one of the largest deals in tech history. LinkedIn, a leading professional networking platform, aligned with Microsoft's goals of integrating professional cloud and networking services. The purchase was aimed at capitalizing on LinkedIn's global popularity to expand its presence in enterprise social networking and enhance its productivity services.

On January 18, 2022, Microsoft announced its agreement to acquire Activision Blizzard in a deal valued at $68.7 billion, which if completed, will be the largest acquisition in the history of the video game industry. The acquisition aims to bolster Microsoft's gaming presence with popular franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush, and to strengthen its position in the growing markets of cloud gaming and metaverse applications.